News

During the Major Indoor Soccer League offseason some of the Baltimore Blast players are playing outdoor soccer in the USL Pro Division (USL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL). Check back throughout the summer as we track the progress of Max Ferdinand and Richard Costanzo who play for the Rochester Rhinos (USL), Matt Watson who is playing for the Carolina RailHawks (NASL) and Warren Ukah who is with the FC Tampa Bay (NASL).

USL Players Report:
Ferdinand, the 2010 MISL Rookie of the Year, and Costanzo played for the Rhinos in the USL's National Division (12-8-4 final record). Ferdinand played in 14 games and Costanzo played in 20 games this season. Ferdinand had one goal and one assist while Costanzo recorded two goals and two assists. Both players completed their second season with the Rhinos who lost in the Division Final to the Harrisburg City Islanders.

The Orlando City Soccer Club defeaetd the City Islanders to win the USL Pro Championship. The Lions won, 3-2, in a penalty shootout after the teams played to a 2-2 tie through regulation and overtime.

In addition to regular season play, the Rochester Rhinos also participated in the 98th Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup which began on June 14. In the first round, the Rhinos defeated the Phoenix SC (USASA-Pa), 2-1, to advance to face the Harrisburg City Islanders in the second round. The Rhinos defeated the City Islanders, 1-0, in the second round before losing to the MLS Chicago Fire in the third round.

NASL Players Report as of September 12:
Watson, who is in his fourth season with the RailHawks, had three goals and two assists on the season. His first goal was the team's lone goal in the win against FC Edmonton on June 10th. Carolina, the regular season champions, finished in first place in the NASL with a 17-8-3 record. The RailHawks lost to the NSC Minnesota Stars in the NASL Semifinals.

Ukah, a forward who played his first season for the Blast in 2010-11, played in 21 games and scored two goals. FC Tampa Bay finished in third place with an 11-9-8 record and advanced to the postseason for the first time. Ukah and FC Tampa Bay lost to Minnesota on October 1 in the NASL Quarterfinals.